← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Firmware

Permanent software stored in a chip on the hardware. It gives the hardware its basic instructions and is kept when the power is off. Found in routers and PCs.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.1 Types of Software and Interrupts — Module 34

Understanding Firmware in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The firmware gives the hardware its basic instructions and then passes control up to the operating system, so it is the layer between them. Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash, so it is kept when the power is off. RAM is volatile and loses its contents. Permanent software in a chip that controls the hardware is firmware. A word processor is application software stored on a drive.

Common mistakes: Firmware is kept when the power is off because it is stored in non-volatile memory. The line should be power_off_keeps = True. Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash, so volatile should be False. Volatile memory would lose the firmware when the power is off.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add Firmware to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 390–408) and word search (Modules 390–418).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
Where is firmware stored?
In a chip on the hardware, such as ROM or flash memoryOnly in RAM, until the power is switched off
Matches
firmware is stored in RAM and is lost when the power is off
↓
RAM is volatile, so it loses its contents without power. Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash and is kept when the power is off.
Applying
Meanings
Term
firmware
Meaning
Permanent software stored in a chip on the hardware. It gives the hardware its basic instructions and is kept when the power is off. Found in routers and PCs.
Practice
firmware <- "stored in ROM"
Testing
Gaps
Firmware is software in a chip
Check Answer
Spots
2storage = "ROM"
3power_off_keeps = False

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Hermit Crab' badge — Definition Collector, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. Where is firmware stored?
A. Only in RAM, until the power is switched off
B. In a chip on the hardware, such as ROM or flash memory ✓
Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash, so it is kept when the power is off. RAM is volatile and loses its contents.
2. What happens to firmware when the power is turned off?
A. It is kept in the chip ✓
B. It is erased
Firmware sits in non-volatile memory, so it stays there with no power. This is why the computer can use it to start up again.
3. Which statement about firmware is true?
A. It gives the hardware its basic instructions ✓
B. It is an app the user installs to edit photos
Firmware tells the hardware how to work at a basic level. Photo editors are application software, not firmware.
4. Where does firmware sit in the layers of a computer?
A. Between the user and the application software
B. Between the hardware and the operating system ✓
The layers go hardware, firmware, operating system, applications. Firmware connects the hardware to the OS above it.
5. Which device is likely to contain firmware?
A. A washing machine ✓
B. Only a desktop PC
Firmware is found in PCs and also in devices such as routers and washing machines. These use it to control their hardware.

Match the Pairs

firmware → Permanent software stored in a chip on the hardware that gives it basic instructions
firmware = ROM or flash → Firmware is kept in non-volatile memory, so it is not lost when the power is off
Firmware sits between the hardware and the operating system → hardware -> firmware -> operating system
Firmware is found in everyday devices such as routers and washing machines, not just computers → devices = ["router", "washing machine", "PC"]
firmware is stored in RAM and is lost when the power is off → RAM is volatile, so it loses its contents without power. Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash and is kept when the power is off.
firmware = the operating system on the hard drive → Firmware is not the operating system and is not stored on the hard drive. It is permanent software stored in a chip on the hardware, below the operating system.

Key Term

firmware
Permanent software stored in a chip on the hardware. It gives the hardware its basic instructions and is kept when the power is off. Found in routers and PCs.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Firmware is permanent software in a chip
Hint: Type the word that describes software that stays stored and is not lost.
2. Firmware is stored in ROM or flash memory
Hint: Type the abbreviation for the read only memory chip.
3. Firmware memory is non-volatile
Hint: Type the word for memory that keeps its data when the power is off.
4. Firmware gives hardware basic instructions
Hint: Type what firmware gives basic instructions to, such as the physical parts of a router.
5. Hardware -> Firmware -> OS -> Apps
Hint: Type the abbreviation for the layer that sits above firmware and runs the applications.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A firmware = "BIOS"
B storage = "ROM"
C power_off_keeps = False
D print(storage)
Line C — Firmware is kept when the power is off because it is stored in non-volatile memory. The line should be power_off_keeps = True.
Question 2
A chip = "flash"
B volatile = True
C if not volatile:
D print("Firmware kept")
Line B — Firmware is stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash, so volatile should be False. Volatile memory would lose the firmware when the power is off.
Question 3
A layers = ["hardware"]
B layers.append("os")
C layers.append("os")
D layers.append("apps")
Line B — Firmware sits between the hardware and the operating system, so line 2 should add "firmware". Adding "os" here puts the OS directly on the hardware and skips the firmware layer.
Question 4
A has_firmware = False
B device = "washing machine"
C if has_firmware:
D print("Runs its programs")
Line A — Devices such as washing machines have firmware that gives their hardware its basic instructions. has_firmware should be True.
Question 5
A power = "off"
B chip = "ROM"
C if chip == "ROM":
D firmware = "lost"
Line D — Firmware is stored in ROM, which is non-volatile, so it is kept when the power is off. It should be set to "kept", not "lost".

Student with a class code? Join your class →